The Strangers Collector’s Edition Blu Ray Review (Scream Factory)

The Strangers is a 2008 suspense thriller horror film from director Bryan Bertino (Mockingbird & The Monster). Mark Romanek (Static, One Hour Photo, & Never Let Me Go) originally wanted to direct this but he kept pursuing a bigger budget so the studio gave writer Bertino a chance on his film-making debut. Originally scheduled for a November 2007 theatrical release but it ended postponed until May 30th 2008. It was a success & it made $82.4 million at the Box Office worldwide.You are probably asking what’s the motivation for a brand new collector’s edition on Blu Ray after 10 years? I am guessing it’s a right place at the right time type of deal since Rogue released the new sequel The Strangers: Prey at Night in theaters!

It opens with a warning that what are you are about to see was inspired by true events. On the night of February 11th 2005, James Hoyt (played by: Scott Speedman from Animal Kingdom, Underworld 1/2, & Dark Blue) & Kristen McKay (played by: Liv Tyler from Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Empire Records, & The Incredible Hulk) leave their friend’s wedding reception to go to the James’s summer family home. You hear a frantic 911 call to preview whats to come later on. After everything not going as expected between the couple & tension building between the two, James already had the place set up with roses, candles, music, & champagne ready for him to finally pop the question to Kristen. He decides the time isn’t right & puts the ring down. He calls Mike to rescue him from this disaster! Things between the couple start getting better after awhile. At 4 in the morning, they hear a loud knock at the door. A mysterious girl asks “Is Tamara is there?” they replied “No” she asks “Are you sure?” they tell her she has the wrong house. She keeps hearing someone knocking on the door & sounds from outside. She grabs a knife for protection. They see various people with masks outside stalking them. James leaves the house & finds his car with shattered glass all over. A truck runs into them before they can escape & leaves the car idle so they run back into the house. The suspense builds up as they see writing on the windows & start hearing more noises from outside. The masked man starts breaking down their door with an axe so they decide to hide inside. Kristen is all alone now looking for James after he left to defend them. After a game of cat & mouse, she is caught by The Strangers. After this night through hell the couple was finally close again but was it too late? You will have to figure that out for yourself stranger….

If you are a fan of the home invasion sub-genre, this one comes highly recommended! If you go into this expecting some gory slasher with a high body count, you are looking for the wrong movie. The Strangers features a small cast with very few characters involved in the story. It’s claustrophobic & isolated to one location during the whole running time. It’s more psychological than psychical. It leaves you in suspense with plenty of thrills & jump scares to keep you on your toes wondering what’s going to happen next. It takes a different turn compared to most bigger horror films & you keep thinking about it way after it’s been over. The Strangers stays with you & it makes you want to revisit it to see there’s more hidden behind the lines on each viewing. I seen The Strangers in theaters back in 2008 & I own the original Blu Ray release from Universal so I’ve seen this movie more than a few times in the past. These new 2K HD masters from digital intermediate look much better than any previous release available! It’s a dark movie that takes place at night for the most part but it has a nice visual style to it thanks to DP Peter Sova (Diner, Donnie Brasco, Lucky Number Slevin, & Push). Scream Factory provides both the theatrical & the unrated cut that’s extended by a few minutes on their discs. As for the audio goes, this is one of the best sounding horror movies that you can display on your home system to show off to family & friends.

Disc 1 features the theatrical cut. Now, let’s talk about the extras on here. It features the 9 minute “The Element of Terror”, an unreleased EPK featurette that includes additional footage. It also provides interview clips with the cast & the crew. “Strangers at the Door” was previously included on the original home video releases & it’s on here to add to the entertainment. Almost 5 minutes of Deleted Scenes. 3 TV spots & a theatrical trailer finish off the extras for the first disc. These weren’t available on any of the previous releases so it’s a nice added bonus to this. Disc 2 features the unrated cut. This is where all the new exclusive special features are located! “Defining Moments: Writing and Directing The Strangers” is an almost 30 minute interview with writer/director Bryan Bertino. “All the Right Moves: Kip Weeks on Playing the Man in the Mask” is an 11 minute discussion with the man behind the mask Kip Weeks. “Brains and Brawn: Laura Margolis on Playing Pin-Up Girl” is an almost 14 minute chat with fellow stranger Laura Margolis. “Deep Cuts: Kevin Greutert on Editing The Strangers” is an 20 minute conversation with veteran horror editor Kevin Greutert. Last but not least you get an exclusive Still Gallery which features photos from the production & movie posters from all over the world. If you are a fan of The Strangers, I HIGHLY recommend you to upgrade any previous release you own for this Collector’s Edition from Scream Factory! Scream gave this new life high definition.